Arsenal’s move for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has put been put in doubt after reports that Arsene Wenger is unwilling to pay the Belgian’s £23million release clause. Chelsea and Manchester United are both also interested in the player, who Everton are not prepared to sell for anything less than his buy-out fee.

Both Wenger and Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis have said recently that the club is willing to spend big money on players this summer in an attempt to catch up with Manchester United and Manchester City, and Fellaini might be a good test of those new intentions.

The 25-year-old would add some physical presence to Arsenal’s midfield, which looked a little lightweight at points last season. Roberto Martinez has said that Everton are hoping to keep Fellaini this summer, indicating his release clause will have to be met by any suitors.

Borussia Monchengladbach are keen on signing Arsenal outcastNicklas Bendtner this summer, with the striker expected to leave for around £2million. The Danish player has spent the past two seasons on loan at Sunderland and Juventus, and has said that he will decide his future in the next couple of weeks, after Arsenal agreed deals with five different clubs for his services.

Bendtner has also said that he will move to a club where he will play regularly, after barely featuring for Juventus last season.

Arsenal are considering a bid for Uzbekistan internationalOdil Ahmedov, who currently plays for Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. The 25-year-old is also apparently being tracked by Serie A sides Juventus and Genoa, and has indicated he would be happy to leave Anzhi this summer.

Ahmedov has a reputation as a tough-tackling defensive midfielder, and could be considered a cheaper alternative to Fellaini if Arsenal really are unwilling to pay the Everton man’s buy-out clause. Anzhi are apparently asking for £6million for the player, with Arsenal prepared to offer £4million.

The 25-year-old said that he was aware of Arsenal’s interest, claiming that the Gunners had sent scouts to watch him at every Anzhi game last season, and that he would be a huge success at the Emirates.

Nick Harris

I'm Nick Harris, Spurs fan and sports writer. Alongside HITC, I'm the founder, editor, writer, and fan of footballspirals.com and can be found on Twitter - @nicksharris. When I'm not watching sport I'm usually drinking coffee and checking updates on my phone in an antisocial manner.